Dietary Restrictions upon Believers - 1 Timothy 4:4
Introductory Thoughts
Throughout mankind’s history, God has placed various dietary restrictions upon people. In the beginning, God gave man herbs and fruit for meat (Genesis 1:29). Under the law, the diet expanded, yet still excluded certain animals that the Lord deemed unclean (Leviticus 11:1-23). The issue was so important that questions concerning dietary restrictions were raised in the early church. In the end, the only restrictions specifically given for the New Testament church were that they should not partake of food knowingly offered to idols, and they should refrain from eating the blood (Acts 15:20, 29; Acts 21:25). 1 Timothy 4:4 confirms these truths by stating that no creature is to be refused based upon some man-made mandate.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): The Lord ate meat with Abraham (Genesis 18:2, 8, 22) and with His disciples (Luke 24:36-43). The apostle Paul told the Romans that it was permissible to eat all things (Romans 14:14a). He said those who thought you could only eat herbs were weak in what they believed (Romans 14:1-2).
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(For everyone): What are some situations where it might be a concern if you were eating food offered to idols? What does it mean that believers should refrain from blood?
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According to 1 Timothy 4:4, what foods should be refused? What does this imply concerning those who preach and teach that believers should exclude meat from their diets?
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank the Lord for the food He gives you.
- Ask God to help you avoid the fads of refusing meats.
Song
TRUST AND OBEY
